Match Day 16: Saturday, 10th February 2018:
- Masavu Vs UPDF – Fisheries Training Institute, Entebbe (4 p.m)
A thin thread separates bottom placed UPDF from third 14th Masavu on the 16 team log of the Uganda Premier League.
By the close of business of the first round on 22nd December 2017, Masavu had fetched 14 points from the 15 matches.
UPDF on the other hand, just 10 points from the same number of games played.
With four wins registered, Masavu was two victories better than UPDF.
During the first leg encountered between the two sides, four goals were scored in the stalemate at Bombo Army military stadium.
Walter Lubangkene gave the army side the lead in the opening minute of the game but midfielder Veron Ddamba found the equalizer a minute to the mandatory half time break.
Masavu then took the lead with less than 20 minutes left on the clock through their captain and lead striker Abraham Ndugwa before veteran Godfrey Wakaza found the equalizer inside the final five minutes of the game.
Between then and now, a lot at has happened at the two clubs administratively.
UPDF’s Steven Bogere has continued to study the players at his disposal with former Buddu striker Joseph Jjaanjali recruited to solve the goal scoring issues.
Masavu dropped 10 ‘un-loyal’ players in a massive sweep and has hired 12 replacements.
The 12 new players in the secondary transfer window include the tried and tested Arthur Semazzi, Patrick Senfuka, Herbert Kakande, Simon Namwanja (on loan from Proline), Abubakari Tabula, James Kasibante and towering defender Micheal ‘Libero’ Otimong.
Other new signings are Salimu Munaku, Benjamin Nyakoojo (on loan from Vipers), Ashadu Bakulumpagi as well as the Godfrey duo of Waswa and Kana.
Missing in action:
Masavu coach Alex Gitta and player Ddumba Sadala both begin their four match suspensions by the FUFA Disciplinary panel over unsporting character in the match Masavu lost away to Mbarara City.
Rajab Bakasembe will officiate the match as the center referee.
Samuel Kakembo and Sadiq Wasswa will the first assistant and second assistant referees respectively.
Meanwhile, George Olem shall be the fourth official and Rosebell Rwamuyamba as the match assessor
Match Officials:
- Center Referee: Rajab Bakasembe
- 1st Assistant Referee: Samuel Kakembo
- 2nd Assistant Referee: Sadiq Wasswa
- Fourth Official: George Olem
- Match Assessor: Rosebell Rwamuyamba
Other Matches:
- Onduparaka Vs Express – Green Light Stadium, Arua
- Police Vs Mbarara City – Mandela National Stadium, Namboole
- Proline Vs Kirinya-Jinja S.S – Star Times Stadium, Lugogo
- Sports Club Villa Jogoo Vs Maroons – Masaka Recreational Stadium, Masaka
- Soana Vs Vipers – Kavumba Recreational Stadium
- BUL Vs URA – Kakindu Stadium, Jinja